Türkiye is located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Turkey shares borders with eight countries. These countries are:
Welcome to the enchanting world of Turkey, where East meets West, and the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. This transcontinental gem boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, a history that stretches back millennia, and a geography that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Today, we’re embarking on a journey to explore the eight countries that border Turkey and the stunning bodies of water that embrace its shores.
From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities have long been a magnet for travelers seeking adventure and culture.
But what truly sets this nation apart is its unique position on the map. With Europe to the West and Asia to the East, Turkey is a mesmerizing bridge between two continents.
I’ll introduce you to each of Türkiye’s neighbors, offering insights on what to see, the historical ties that bind, and the geopolitical relations that shape this dynamic region. Whether you’re a history buff, an intrepid traveler, or simply someone curious about the world, our journey through Turkey’s borders and its surrounding waters promises to be an informative and engaging experience.
So, pack your bags, grab your map, and let’s embark on an adventure to discover the wonders that unfold at the crossroads of Türkiye, where ancient history, modernity, and nature’s beauty converge.
From the shores of the Mediterranean to the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, there’s a world waiting to be explored just beyond Turkey’s borders.
Turkey is a fascinating country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. With its rich history and stunning natural landscapes, it’s no wonder so many travelers are drawn to this unique destination.
But one interesting fact about Turkey is its strategic location – it actually borders eight other countries! This prime position means Turkey acts as a bridge between continents cultures and nations.
So if you’re planning a trip to Turkey you may be wondering – what countries are close to Turkey? Which nations neighbor this Eurasian country and what are they each like to visit?
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the eight countries bordering Turkey, including some key facts about each one. We’ll also give some tips on getting to these nations from Turkey, in case you want to take a side trip during your travels.
Overview of Turkey’s Location
First, let’s set the scene with a quick overview of Turkey itself. Officially called the Republic of Turkey, this nation is located where Southeastern Europe meets Southwestern Asia.
The country’s territory spans across the Anatolian peninsula, with a small section located on the Balkan peninsula in Europe. Turkey also has coastlines on the Aegean Sea, Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
Turkey’s strategic position has given it great military and economic importance throughout history. It was once the heart of powerful empires like the Byzantines and Ottomans.
Today, it maintains strong global ties – Turkey is a member of organizations like NATO, the United Nations, and the G20 major economies. Turkey also has an association agreement with the European Union.
With over 84 million residents, Turkey has one of the largest populations in Europe. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, from Cappadocia’s whimsical “fairy chimneys” to the otherworldly travertines of Pamukkale. Architectural wonders like the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and archaeological gems like Ephesus captivate history buffs.
But in addition to what lies within its borders, Turkey’s neighbors also hold great appeal for travelers. So let’s examine these surrounding countries!
8 Nations Bordering Turkey
Turkey shares land or sea borders with the following countries:
- Greece
- Bulgaria
- Georgia
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Iran
- Iraq
- Syria
Next, we’ll take a quick look at each of these border nations in turn.
Greece
Greece borders Turkey to the west and northwest. These two countries have shared ties going back centuries, as both were part of the ancient Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Today, Greece and Turkey maintain strong diplomatic and economic relations. However, tensions occasionally flare between them over issues like territorial waters and airspace boundaries.
Greece is probably one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Turkey to also explore. This Mediterranean nation enchants travelers with its beaches, islands and ancient ruins. Top attractions include the Acropolis, Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora.
Frequent ferry services run between Turkey and Greek islands like Rhodes and Kos. There are also daily flights connecting major cities like Istanbul and Athens.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria lies to Turkey’s north and northeast, separated by land and the Black Sea. These two countries have close cultural connections, as Bulgaria was once part of the Ottoman Empire. Many Bulgarians are Muslim, and Turkish is a significant minority language here.
Bulgaria appeals to travelers seeking outdoor adventures or cultural encounters. Highlights include the Rila Mountains, Black Sea resorts like Varna and Sunny Beach, and medieval towns like Veliko Tarnovo.
Buses provide connections between Turkey’s major cities and destinations in Bulgaria like Sofia and Plovdiv. There are also some routes across the Black Sea by ferry.
Georgia
Georgia borders Turkey to the northeast. Relations between the two are generally positive – Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Georgia as an independent state in 1991.
This mountainous country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia delights visitors with its wine regions, monasteries tucked into cliffs, and lively capital Tbilisi. The Black Sea coast offers beach destinations like Batumi.
Buses provide transportation between Turkey and popular Georgian destinations like Tbilisi, which is about a 12 hour ride from cities like Trabzon. Georgia’s Black Sea ports like Batumi can also be reached from Turkey by ferry.
Armenia
Armenia lies just to the east of Turkey. This small landlocked nation was once part of the Ottoman Empire, and tensions have brewed between the two countries throughout the 20th century.
However, Turkey and Armenia have been taking steps to normalize relations in recent years. Armenia appeals to adventure travelers with outdoor pursuits like skiing and climbing. The country also dazzles visitors with its ancient monasteries and sites from its early adoption of Christianity.
There are currently no direct flights between Turkey and Armenia. However, Georgia offers a transit point – you can take a bus from cities like Trabzon or Kars to Tbilisi, then continue onward to Yerevan by air.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan borders Turkey to the east, with the two countries separated by the Aras River. Azerbaijan has strong historic and cultural ties with Turkey, as both nations share Turkic roots.
This resource-rich country tempts visitors with contrasts like the cosmopolitan capital Baku and remote villages tucked into mountain valleys. Mud volcanoes and petroglyphs carved into hillsides thousands of years ago provide some of Azerbaijan’s highlights.
Baku can be reached from Turkey by air – Turkish Airlines and budget carrier Pegasus offer regular flights. You can also take buses between cities like Trabzon and Baku, which is about a 22 hour trip.
Iran
Iran lies to Turkey’s east, with the two countries separated by the Aras River as well as Lake Van and Mount Ararat. The Ottoman and Persian empires clashed over this border region for centuries.
Today, Turkey and Iran maintain important trade partnerships, particularly for energy resources. However, there are some tensions between the two powers.
Adventurous travelers are drawn to Iran for sights like the ancient ruins of Persepolis and Isfahan’s intricately-tiled mosques. The country offers everything from skiing to desert adventures.
There are currently no direct flights between Turkey and Iran, so travel overland is the best option. You can take buses between cities like Van and Tabriz, which are about 7 hours apart.
Iraq
Iraq borders Turkey to the southeast. Iraq was once part of the Ottoman Empire, and Turkey today maintains strong relations with the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq.
This ancient land holds relics of civilizations like the Babylonians, Assyrians and Sumerians. Highlights range from the ruins of Hatra and Nineveh to the Ishtar Gate of Babylon. The Kurdish north offers cities like cosmopolitan Erbil.
Overland travel is currently the only option to cross between Turkey and Iraq. You can take buses from cities like Gaziantep to destinations like Erbil and Dohuk.
Syria
Syria shares Turkey’s longest border to the south. The two nations have had strained relations over issues like Turkey’s support for Syrian rebels and military presences in border zones.
Syria’s ongoing civil war has rendered it unsafe for tourism. However, prior to the conflict, highlights included Damascus’ Old City, Roman ruins like Palmyra and Bosra, and medieval Christian sites. Hopefully peace will one day return to uncover these gems again.
While Turkey and Syria have been severed in recent years, travel between them was previously possible. Buses used to run fairly frequently between cities like Aleppo and Gaziantep. Air connections are currently suspended.
Traveling Between Turkey and Its Neighbors
Turkey’s prime location makes it easy to explore surrounding countries on your travels. Here are some tips for getting to Turkey’s neighboring nations:
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For short hops to Greece and sometimes Bulgaria, ferries can provide a fun way to travel. Major port cities in Turkey like Çeşme, Bodrum and Marmaris have frequent ferry routes to Greek islands and towns.
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Buses allow you to travel overland between Turkey and places like Georgia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Iraq. Companies like Metro Turizm offer modern buses with reclining seats and WiFi.
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For destinations further afield, flights are the best option. Carriers like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AtlasGlobal can swiftly transport you between Turkey and countries like Greece.
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Where direct options are limited, transit routes provide an alternative. For example, you can travel between Turkey and Armenia via a connected flight in Georgia.
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Always check your visa requirements when crossing between Turkey and its neighbors. Many nationalities need visas for destinations like Iran and Armenia.
With its prime bridging position, Turkey provides the perfect starting point to explore the surrounding region. From the Mediterranean beaches of Greece to the lush Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, stimulating adventures await across Turkey’s borders!
Frequency of Entities:
Greece: 5
Bulgaria: 3
Georgia: 4
Armenia: 4
Azerbaijan: 3
Iran: 4
What Water Borders Does Türkiye Have
Turkey is surrounded by several bodies of water, contributing to its unique geography of Turkey given its position as a transcontinental country bridging Europe and Asia. The significant bodies of water that border Turkey include:
- The Mediterranean Sea: Türkiye has a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea to its south
- The Aegean Sea: The western coast of Turkey is along the Aegean Sea
- The Black Sea: Turkey’s northern coastline is along the Black Sea
- The Sea of Marmara: This inland sea connects the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea Coast and is entirely within Turkey’s borders
- The Bosporus Strait: The Bosporus, part of Turkey, is a narrow, natural strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and separates the European and Asian and European sides of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city
- The Dardanelles Strait: Also known as the Çanakkale Strait, it connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and is another important waterway for Turkey
These bodies of water have played a crucial role in Turkey’s history (especially the history of the Ottoman Empire), commerce, and transportation, making the country a key player in regional and international affairs.
8 Countries That Have Turkish Borders
Greece, just a stone’s throw across the Aegean Sea from Turkey’s western coast, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Explore the ancient ruins of Athens, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon, or relax on the idyllic beaches of the Greek islands, off the southeastern part of modern-day Turkey. Historical ties between Greece and Turkey have had their ups and downs, but both nations are members of NATO, striving for peaceful coexistence.
To get there from Turkey, you can take a ferry from coastal cities like Izmir to various Greek islands or cross the land border. RECOMMENDED POST
Neighboring Bulgaria is located in Northwestern Turkey and beckons with its charming towns, like Plovdiv and Sofia, both boasting a rich historical heritage and vibrant contemporary scenes. The two countries share a long history, with periods of both cooperation and conflict.
Today, they maintain peaceful relations as both are part of the EU.
To visit Bulgaria, a neighboring country of the Republic of Turkey, you can drive across the land border or take a bus from Istanbul, a bustling city in Northwestern Turkey, or other Turkish cities. RECOMMENDED POST
Georgia, nestled in the scenic Caucasus Mountains, is a hidden gem. Its capital, Tbilisi, is a fusion of modernity and old-world charm.
The historical connection between Türkiye and Georgia traces back centuries, often characterized by cooperation. Today, these neighbors maintain diplomatic relations.
To reach Georgia, consider taking a flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi or driving through the land border at Sarp. RECOMMENDED POST
Armenia offers a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage with its ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes.
The history between Turkey and Armenia is complex, mainly due to the Armenian Genocide.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Turkey and Armenia are strained, and the border is currently closed. However, you can reach Armenia, situated to the east of Anatolia, by flying from Istanbul to Yerevan via various airlines or exploring alternative routes.
Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave, is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenia.
The historical connection with Türkiye is strong, and both nations share linguistic and cultural ties.
However, due to political complexities in the region, direct travel between Nakhchivan and Turkey can be challenging. It often involves flights from Istanbul to the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, and then on to Nakhchivan. RECOMMENDED POST
Iran offers a tapestry of ancient history and modern culture. The two nations, Turkey and Iran, share a complex history marked by cooperation and rivalry.
Today, they maintain diplomatic relations. To travel from Turkey to Iran, you can take a flight from Istanbul to Tehran or drive through the land border crossings, such as Gurbulak-Bazargan.
Iraq’s historical sites, including the ancient city of Babylon and the bustling markets of Baghdad, offer a unique travel experience.
Turkey and Iraq maintain diplomatic ties, and there are land borders that you can cross.
Consider flying to Istanbul and then taking a domestic flight to destinations in Iraq or using a bus service.
Syria boasts millennia of history and cultural richness, with iconic sites like Palmyra and the old city of Damascus.
The relationship between Türkiye and Syria has been strained in recent years due to the Syrian Civil War. The border is currently closed, and travel to Syria is not recommended. Historically, though, these two nations have shared deep cultural connections.
Please note that geopolitical relations and travel options can change over time, so checking for the latest information and travel advisories before planning any trips to these neighboring countries is essential.
Is Turkey in Europe or Asia | Turkey is Asia or Europe
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